Method, system, and apparatus for handling, labeling, filling and capping syringes

ABSTRACT

An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/864,610 filed Jun. 9, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/928,007 filed Aug. 10, 2001, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,813,868, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/224,136, filed Aug. 10, 2000.Each of the above-identified patent applications is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the handling of syringes, andis particularly apt for use in automated syringe handling operations,such as syringe filling, labeling and capping operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Each year countless syringes are used throughout the world by thehealthcare industry for the administration of liquid medications tohumans and animals with hypodermic needles or infusion catheters, aswell as for delivery of oral and topical medications. Some medicationsprovided by pharmaceutical manufacturers are prepared, stored, andshipped as powders, crystals, or some other solid form due to the lackof stability in solution. These medications are then reconstituted withliquid, such as water or some other suitable liquid solvent. For one orseveral administrations of a medication, the manual filling of thesyringes with reconstituted liquid medication is a small chore. However,larger health care institutions often administer medications in syringesto hundreds of patients per day, thus requiring the rather large choreof filling hundreds of syringes with medications and labeling eachfilled syringe to show the contents, strength, and fill dates, usuallyunder the direction of a qualified pharmacist. Healthcare providers havefound that preparing (e.g. filling and labeling) the quantities ofsyringes needed has many efficiencies and other advantages when it isdone in batches.

In the later regard, batch preparation may be particularly preferred forsyringes carrying medications that are not stable in liquid form and aretherefore frozen after preparation to maintain acceptable stability.Further, the task of maintaining sterility in the transfer of liquidfrom containers provided by pharmaceutical manufacturers topre-sterilized syringes may be enhanced by batch completion incontrolled environments. Also, safety and overall reliability mayimprove when syringes are prepared in batches by pharmacy personnel orothers who are dedicated to and well-trained for the task.

Currently, syringe preparation typically entails a number of separateoperations with individual syringe handling. For example, systems usedtoday fill syringes with dispensing pumps that are capable of deliveringexact quantities of fluids but that require individual handling of eachsyringe. Peristaltic pumps that can be accurately calibrated, such asthat described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,347, are often used. In sucharrangements, the syringe caps are packaged so that sterility can bemaintained in the capping procedure. The caps are located in trays whereeach cap is positioned so that the person doing the filling can manuallyplace the tip of the syringe into the cap without touching or holdingthe cap. Labeling of the syringes has been done using a label dispensersimilar to those used for applying pricing labels to grocery or othersimilar products.

With smaller syringes there are sometimes problems with gettingsufficient label information on the syringe without covering over thesyringe graduations or blocking the view of the medication. To overcomethis, the labels are often applied by hand with the label wrapped aroundthe syringe with most of the label extending from the syringe to form aflag.

Silicone lubricants are used in syringe manufacturing to providelubrication for lowering the frictional force in movement of the syringeplunger. These silicone lubricants have a characteristic of migratingover all surfaces. Often, this migration causes difficulties in gettingpressure sensitive labels to stay in place. This has caused users to usea clear plastic tape to wrap completely around the syringe and thelabel.

Efforts to automate hospital or clinic-based syringe preparation havebeen made, but most systems have automated only portions of the processand still require human intervention during critical stages of theprocess. In one such system, caps are pre-positioned in a cartridgeholder. The syringes are also provided in a cartridge where each syringeis oriented. The machine to perform the filling and capping functionrequires an operator to load the cartridges of caps and syringes. Thefilling is done with a calibrated peristaltic pump. The machine fillseach syringe and places a cap. The labeling is done separately by alabeling machine that is commercially available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, a broad objective of the present invention isto provide a method, system and apparatus for enhanced syringe handling.A closely related objective is to facilitate automated syringe handlingfor various operations, such as syringe filling, labeling and capping.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a syringehandling approach that facilitates the maintenance of sterility.

An additional objective of the present invention is to provide animproved syringe filling and capping approach.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an improvedapproach for syringe labeling.

In addressing one or more of the above objectives, the present inventorshave recognized that significant benefits may be realized byinterconnecting multiple syringe bodies to facilitate handling of thesame. More particularly, such interconnection allows multiple syringesto be commonly oriented for packaging and/or automated preparationoperations.

In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided that includes aplurality of syringe bodies, e.g. each comprising a barrel, and a beltfixedly connected to (e.g. adhered to or shrink-wrapped upon) each ofthe syringe bodies. Each syringe body may further include a plunger atleast partially disposed in an open end of the barrel and a removablecap disposed on a dispensing end of the barrel. Of importance, the beltis provided to both interconnect the plurality of syringe bodies andposition the same in a predetermined orientation.

In the later regard, and by way of primary example, the dispensing endsof the syringe body barrels may be oriented to extend in a commondirection. In addition, the barrels of adjacent ones of the plurality ofsyringe bodies may be disposed in side-by-side, series relation.Further, the belt may be provided to define a predetermined spacingbetween adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such spacing preferablybeing equidistance throughout a given assembly to accommodate readypositioning in holders adapted for automated operations, as will befurther described.

To facilitate handling, production and packaging, the belt may be of apliable construction. Further, the belt may be advantageouslyconstructed for ready separation in automated labeling operations, asdescribed hereinbelow. In this regard, it is advantageous for the beltto be of a predetermined length between adjacent ones of the pluralityof syringe bodies, such predetermined length defining belt segments thatare sufficient for the placement of contents information thereupon (e.g.via the application of a label thereto or direct printing thereupon).

Preferably, the belt is interconnected to each of the syringe bodybarrels. In this regard, the barrels maybe of a common length, whereinthe belt is fixedly connected to the barrels along a common portion ofthe length of each. In addition, the belt may advantageously be of awidth that exceeds a majority of a length of each of the barrels.Further, the belt may comprise a first portion that extends betweenadjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies, and a second portionthat extends about at least a portion of each of the syringe bodybarrels. Preferably, the second portion adhesively engages the syringebody barrels and may be substantially transparent to facilitateobservation of the volumetric contents within and markings on thesyringe barrels.

In one approach, the belt may be defined by opposing layers adjoined inface-to-face relation between adjacent ones of the plurality of syringebodies and wrapped about opposing sides of the barrels of each of thesyringe bodies. At least one of the opposing layers may be substantiallytransparent to allow for visual determination of volumetric contents andamount. As may be appreciated, a clear pliable plastic material may beutilized for easy and low-cost construction of the belt.

As noted, each syringe body of the inventive apparatus may typicallyinclude a plunger and cap. In this regard, the barrel, inserted plungerand applied cap may preferably be assembled under low bioburdenenvironment conditions, such as a class 100,000 or lower clean room.Further, and of importance, the plurality of interconnected syringebodies should preferably be packaged (e.g. in a shipment container) andthereafter sterilized (e.g. via gamma radiation) to achieve terminalsterilization.

To facilitate the maintenance of a clean internal volume, yet allow forsyringe filling, the caps utilized on syringe bodies should preferablyengage dispensing ends of the barrels in a mating fashion. By way ofprimary example, each cap may include an inner member matinglypositionable within or about a fluid port of the barrel dispensing end,and an outer member matingly positionable about an outer flange of thebarrel dispensing end.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided forproducing an assembly of syringe bodies. The inventive method includesthe steps of positioning a plurality of syringe bodies in apredetermined relative orientation, and disposing opposing layers ofmaterial about opposing sides of the syringe bodies and in face-to-facerelation between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies. As may beappreciated, the inventive method defines an assembly comprising a beltthat interconnects and orients a plurality of syringe bodies tofacilitate handling as previously described.

In an additional more general aspect of the present invention, anoverall method and apparatus for handling a plurality of syringe bodiesis provided. Such method comprises the steps of positioning a pluralityof syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation, and interconnecting abelt to each of the plurality of syringe bodies in said predeterminedorientation. The method may further comprise the step of positioning theplurality of syringe bodies into a plurality of holders for at least oneproduction operation. To facilitate such positioning, the belt mayadvantageously define a predetermined spacing between adjacent ones ofthe syringe bodies, wherein the holders are separated by a distance thatcorresponds with the predetermined spacing between adjacent ones of thesyringe bodies. Further, where the belt is constructed of a pliablematerial, the method may include the step of successively suspending, orhanging, adjacent ones of the syringe bodies so as to position the samefor receipt by a holder.

Numerous automated production operations may be facilitated by thedisclosed handling method, wherein the holders may be moved along apredetermined path during such operations. Of particular note, one orall of the following production operations may be automated utilizingthe invention:

-   -   filling the plurality of syringe bodies with a predetermined        fluid (e.g. reconstituted medication);    -   uncapping and/or recapping the plurality of syringe bodies in        conjunction with filling; and    -   labeling the plurality of the syringe bodies to indicate the        contents thereof.        Each of these production operations will be further described        hereinbelow.

In relation to the inventive apparatus for handling a plurality ofsyringe bodies, it should be appreciated that it is particularlyadvantageous for the syringe bodies to be interconnected in series by abelt in a predetermined orientation and with a predetermined spacingtherebetween. In the latter regard, the inventive apparatus may comprisea plurality of holders for holding the of syringe bodies, such holdersbeing separated by a distance corresponding with the predeterminedspacing.

The apparatus may further include a drive for moving the holders along apredetermined path. In this regard, the holders may be oriented so as tolocate adjacent ones of the plurality of syringe bodies in substantialparallel relation, wherein the dispensing and opposing ends of thesyringe bodies extend outwardly from and in a common orientationrelative to the predetermined path. In turn, at least one workstationmay be provided having a support member disposed to move towards andaway from the dispensing ends of the syringe bodies. By way of primaryexample, such workstations may be provided for automated filling and/orautomated cap removal/replacement, free from manual handlingrequirements.

Further, one or more workstations may be provided with a support memberdisposed to move towards and away from an outward facing surface of thebelt at locations between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies. Suchworkstations may provide for automated separation of the belt betweenadjacent ones of the syringe bodies and/or automated printing ofcontents information on belt segments located between adjacent ones ofthe syringe bodies.

In a further aspect of the present invention a method and apparatus isprovided for filling syringe bodies. In the inventive method, thefilling of each syringe body entails the step of holding the syringebody in at least one holder and the further steps of removing a capfrom, filling and replacing the cap back on the syringe body during theholding step. As may be appreciated, completion of the removing, fillingand replacing steps while the syringe body is being held by at least oneholder yields a significant handling advantage in that manualmanipulation of a syringe body may be avoided.

The filling method may further include, for each syringe body, the stepsof placing the cap on the dispensing end of the syringe body prior tothe holding step, and packaging the syringe body in a container (e.g.for bulk shipment with other syringe bodies) and unpackaging the syringebody from the container after the placing step and prior to the holdingstep. Such sequencing allows for cap placement and packaging in aproduction location, followed by shipment to a remote location forunpackaging and completion of the filling method. Further in thisregard, the method may include the important step of sterilizing syringebodies after packaging (e.g. at the production facility prior toshipment).

Additionally, the method may comprise the step of interconnecting a beltto the plurality of syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation.Preferably, such interconnection occurs prior to the packaging andsterilization steps.

In conjunction with the removal and replacement of each of the caps,such steps may include, for each of the syringe bodies, the furthersteps of retainably engaging the cap in a retainer and moving at leastone of the retainer and the holder to affect relative movement betweenthe cap and the dispensing end of the syringe body. Further in thisregard, such retainable engagement may be completed by moving the holderfor a syringe along a predetermined path so as to insert the cap in theretainer.

In conjunction with noted filling step, the method may further providefor the interconnection of a fluid supply member with a dispensing endof the syringe body and for the flow of fluid into the syringe bodythrough the interconnected fluid supply member. In one embodiment, suchsteps as well as the cap removal and cap replacement steps, may becompleted with the syringe body held at a single location. In suchembodiment the retainer, and fluid supply member may be interconnectedfor tandem forward/rearward and sideways movement. In anotherembodiment, the cap removal and cap replacement steps may be completedwith a syringe body held at a first location, while the filling step maybe completed at a second location. Such an approach only requiresforward/rearward tandem movement of the retainer and fluid supplymember.

Of note, the inventive filling method and apparatus may also provide forsensing of the position of a syringe body plunger during fluid filling.In this regard, optical sensing, pressure sensing or the like may beutilized, wherein a sense signal may be provided that reflects the fluidvolume within a syringe as it is filled. In turn, the sense signal maybe employed to terminate the flow of fluid at a predetermined amount. Inanother approach, a predetermined amount of fluid may be drawn into eachsyringe body via controlled retraction of the associated plunger.

As may be appreciated, the inventive apparatus for filling a pluralityof syringe bodies may include at least one, and preferably a pluralityof holders for holding a plurality of syringe bodies in a predeterminedorientation. Further, the apparatus may include a retainer forretainably engaging the cap of a syringe body, wherein the cap may beselectively removed and replaced by the retainer. Additionally, theapparatus may include a fluid supply member disposed for selective fluidinterconnection with a dispensing end of the syringe body.

To facilitate automated operations, the inventive apparatus may furthercomprise a driven support member for moving the holder(s) along apredetermined path. Additionally, one or more driven support members maybe provided for moving the retainer towards/away from the dispensingend(s) of each syringe body and/or for moving the fluid supply membertowards and away from the dispensing end(s) of each syringe body.

In yet additional aspect of the present invention, an inventive methodand apparatus are provided for labeling a plurality of syringe bodies.The inventive method includes the steps of interconnecting a belt to aplurality of syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation, and placingcontents-related information on belt segments interconnected to each ofthe syringe bodies. The method further includes the step of separatingthe belt between each of said plurality of syringe bodies to define aninterconnected flap (e.g. corresponding with the belt segments) on eachof the syringe bodies.

In conjunction with the inventive labeling method, the separating stepmay provide for severing, or cutting the belt between adjacent ones ofthe plurality of syringe bodies. Alternatively, the separating step mayentail relative displacement of adjacent ones of the syringe bodies soas to achieve separation along perforation lines or the like.

With respect to the step of placing contents-related information on eachgiven belt segment, such step may entail the printing of information ona label and fixation of such label to a belt segment. Alternatively,this step may simply be completed via printing of the contents-relatedinformation directly on a given belt segment.

In either case, the contents-related information may comprise one ormore of the following types of information:

-   -   information regarding the fluid contained in a given syringe        body;    -   information regarding fluid fill date for each given syringe        body;    -   information regarding the volumetric fluid content of each given        syringe body;    -   information comprising a product code corresponding with the        contents of a given syringe body;    -   information regarding the lot or batch number corresponding with        each given syringe body; and    -   information regarding storage and/or handling instructions for        each given syringe body.        As may be appreciated, such information may be provided in an        alphanumeric or coded fashion. In the later regard, at least        some of the information may be embodied in a bar code format to        allow for optical scanning.

In further relation to the inventive labeling method, the interconnectedsyringe bodies may be packaged in a container, sterilized and unpackagedfrom the container prior to the separating and contents-informationplacement steps. As may be appreciated, such sequencing provides for theinterconnection, packaging and sterilization of syringe bodies at aproduction location, and the unpackaging, separation and labeling of thesyringe bodies at another location (e.g. at a location where the syringebodies are filled with liquid medication).

The inventive labeling apparatus is particularly adapted for use with aplurality of syringe bodies interconnected by belt, as described above,and may include a plurality of holders and a labeling member for placingcontents-related information on belt segments extending between thesyringe bodies. The apparatus may further include a separation memberfor separating the belt between adjacent ones of the plurality ofsyringe bodies, wherein a different belt segment in the form of a flapis interconnected with each one of the plurality of syringe bodies. Tofacilitate operation of the separation member and labeling member, eachof such members may be provided with driven support members that may beselectively actuated to such members towards and away from the beltsegments.

As may be appreciated, various ones of the inventive aspects notedhereinabove may be combined to yield an inventive system for handling aplurality of syringe bodies, including a system that facilitatesautomated labeling and filling operations. The automated fillingoperations may further provide for automated cap removal andreplacement.

These and other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the inventionare set forth in part in the description that follows and will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the followingdescription and figures or may be learned by practicing the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthe specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention, andtogether with the descriptions serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a labeled, filled, and capped syringewith a label substrate and label attached according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a plurality of sterile capped syringesmounted in a belt or band for automated labeling and/or cap removal,fluid filling, and cap replacement according to one embodiment of thisinvention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic elevation view of an apparatus and process formounting syringes in a tape band or belt according to one embodiment ofthis invention;

FIG. 4 is diagrammatic elevation view of an apparatus and process formounting syringes in a tape band or belt according to another embodimentof this invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic elevation view of a labeling and fillingapparatus of one embodiment of this invention;

FIGS. 6 a through 6 e comprise diagrammatic plan views of thesyringe-filling station on the apparatus embodiment of FIG. 5 wherein asequence of component positions are shown that correspond to andillustrate sequential steps of cap removal, fluid filling, and capreplacement operation.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b comprise isometric assembly and exploded views,respectively, of a labeling and filling apparatus of the embodimentcorresponding with FIGS. 5 and 6 a-e;

FIGS. 8 a-8 d comprise isometric views of the syringe-filling station ofthe apparatus embodiment of FIG. 7, wherein a sequence of componentpositions are shown that correspond with and illustrate the sequentialsteps of cap removal, fluid filling, and cap replacement operations.

FIG. 9 is a schematic elevation view of a labeling and filling apparatusaccording to another embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a syringe-filling station of theapparatus embodiment of FIG. 9; and

FIGS. 11 a-11 h are flat, diagrammatic views of syringe handlingoperations at the filling-station of the apparatus embodiment of FIGS. 9and 10.

FIGS. 12 a-12 c are isometric, end and cross-sectional views of asyringe cap employable in one embodiment of the syringe shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 13 a-13 c are isometric, end and cross-sectional views of asyringe cap employable in another embodiment of the syringe shown inFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A capped syringe S that has been labeled and filled according to oneembodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. 1. A cap C covers andprotects the sterility of the dispensing luer tip (concealed from viewin FIG. 1 by the cap C). Since the barrel B of the syringe S is full inFIG. 1, the plunger P is extended longitudinally. A flap or substrate 10for a label 12 is provided by two strips of adhesive tape 14, 16, bothof which are wrapped around and adhered to respectively opposite sidesof the barrel B and adhered to each other in face-to-face relation inextensions 18, 20 of the adhesive tape 14, 16 that extend indiametrically opposite directions from the barrel B. It is preferred,but not necessary, that at least one of the adhesive tapes 14, 16 betransparent so that the graduation marks G that are on most conventionalsyringes as well as the plunger piston (not shown) in FIG. 1) can beseen through the adhesive tape.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the label 12 is a printed sheet thathas been adhered to the panel extension 20 of the substrate 10. However,the label could also be provided in other ways according to thisinvention. For example, but not for limitation, the printed informationcould be printed directly on one or both of the adhesive tapes 14, 16.Such printing, if placed on a transparent tape 14, 16 would preferablynot be enough to mask the graduation marks G. Another option could be tomake one of the tapes, such as tape 14 opaque, perhaps with labelinformation on it, but make the other tape 16 transparent so as not tomask or hide the graduation marks G. For another possibility, a sheetlabel similar to label 12 could be sandwiched between the two adhesivetapes 14, 16.

As mentioned above, a significant feature of this invention is having aplurality of sterile, capped syringes S mounted in spaced apart relationto each other in a band or belt 30, as shown in FIG. 2, for handling thesyringes S in automated preparation operations. For example, belt 30 maybe employed for pulling the syringes S into and preferably at leastpartially through a labeling and/or filling apparatus and process, aswill be described in more detail below. The band or belt 30 can be madewith the two elongated adhesive tapes 14, 16 that were described aboveand which can be cut to separate the syringes S into individual syringesS with the label substrate 10 as shown in FIG. 1 and as will bedescribed in more detail below.

Before proceeding, reference is now made to FIGS. 12 a-12 c and FIGS. 13a-13 c which illustrate alternate embodiments of caps C employable withsyringes S of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown, the caps C ofthe two embodiments each include a cylindrical outer member 500 formatingly engaging the outer flange provided at the dispensing end of thebarrel B of the syringe S. In the FIG. 12 a-12 c embodiment, acylindrical inner member 502 is also provided for matingly receiving thefluid port provided at the dispensing end of barrel B of syringe S. Inthe case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 a-13 c a central pin-likeinner member 504 is provided for mating insertion into the fluid portprovided at the dispensing end of the barrel B of syringe S. Of furthernote, internal locating legs 506 are provided in the embodiment of FIG.13 a-13 c for retentively engaging the fluid port of barrel B. As may beappreciated, the embodiments of FIG. 12 a-12 c and FIG. 13 a-13 c bothprovide for isolation of the contents of syringe S.

There are many ways by which the plurality of syringes S can be mountedin the band or belt 30 shown in FIG. 2, and this invention is notlimited to any one of such ways of doing so. However, for purposes ofexample, but not for limitation, one method and apparatus for mountingmultiple syringes S into a band or belt 30 is shown in FIG. 3. As onetape strip, e.g., tape strip 16, is unwound from a roll 32, as indicatedby arrows 34, 36, it is threaded around the periphery 38 of a syringemounting wheel 40, which rotates as indicated by arrow 42. A pair ofrims (only one rim 44 of the pair can be seen in the elevation view ofFIG. 2) extend radially outward beyond each side of the periphery 38,and each of the rims 44 has a plurality of notches 46 in equal,angularly spaced relation to each other around the periphery 38. As thewheel 40 rotates, preferably capped, empty syringes S are placedserially into the notches 46, as indicated by arrows 48, where theycontact the adhesive side of the tape strip 16.

As the wheel 40 rotates, as indicated by the arrow 42, it carries thesyringes S in the notches 46 and in contact with the tape strip 16 to aposition where the syringes S come into contact with the adhesive sideof the other tape strip 14, which is simultaneously being unwound from aroll 50 as indicated by arrows 52, 54, 56. An idler wheel 58 positionsthe tape strip 14 in relation to the wheel 40 so that it contacts thesyringes S mounted in the notches 46. Therefore, the tapes strips 14, 16get adhered to diametrically opposite sides of the syringes S. In thisregard, a contact plate 67 may also be provided to insure engagementbetween tape strip 14 and syringes.

As the syringes S, which are adhered to tape strips 14, 16 emerge fromthe wheel 40, they are captured by notches 60 in a press wheel 62 thatrotates, as indicated by arrow 64, to press the tape strips 14, 16 toeach other between the syringes S. Press wheel 62 may be provided fordriven rotation, wherein such driven rotation effects rotation of thetape rolls 32 and 50, as well as rotation of syringe mounting wheel 40as the tape strips 14, 16 are pulled around press wheel 62 with syringesS secured therebetween. A rotatable pressing block 63 is juxtaposed tothe press wheel 62 so that the tape strips 14, 16 run between the presswheel 62 and the rotatable pressing block 63. The pressing block 63 maybe configured to present a plurality of semicircular surfaces that arespaced to be in opposing relation to notches 60. Thus, the press wheel62 and the pressing block 63 cooperate to press and adhere the tapestrips 14, 16 tightly together and around the circumference of eachsyringe S. The pressing block 63 is preferably yieldably biased by aspring-loaded pivot arm 65 or some other bias system to press thepressing block 63 toward the press wheel 62.

After disengaging from press wheel 62, the belt 30 with the syringes Smounted therein are fed as indicated by arrow 66 into a bin or bag 68.Alternatively, the belt 30 with syringes S could be fed directly into alabeling and/or filling apparatus, which will be described below.

In general, the syringes S are positioned in the band or belt 30 in acommon orientation, i.e., with luers of all the syringes S on the sameside of the band 30. The notches 46 in the wheel 40 are spaced uniformlyaround the rim 44, so the syringes S in the resulting band 30 are spacedequidistantly apart. The caps C can be placed on the syringes S eitherbefore, while, or after the syringes S are mounted in the band 30. Theband 30 of syringes S can then be fan folded or rolled and placed in theplastic bag 68, which can be closed and/or sealed to protect sterility.The package or bag 68 of banded syringes 30 can then be sterilized byany of a variety of standard sterilization processes, for example bygamma radiation. The sterilized packages 68 of sterilized, bandedsyringes S, usually in quantities of about 200 to 1,000 syringes S perpackage 68, are shipped to users, such as hospitals or other health careinstitutions, who will label and/or fill and re-cap the syringes S foruse within an acceptable time after filling.

FIG. 4 illustrates another method and apparatus embodiment for mountingmultiple syringes S into a band or belt 30. In this embodiment a syringefeed-wheel 203 is driven synchronously with tape feed wheels 240 and 262to form a band 30 of interconnected syringes S. More particularly, tapefeed wheels 240 and 262 are driven to pull adhesive tapes 16 and 14about idler wheels 215 and 258 from tape rolls 232 and 250,respectively. Tensioning devices 211. and 213. are provided to establisha desired amount of tension along tape strips 16 and 14 as they are fedto tape feed wheels 240 and 262, respectively.

As shown by FIG. 4, a vibrating track 201 is provided to advancesyringes S for sequential loading into notches 205 of the syringe feedwheel 203. In turn, the syringe feed-wheel 203 is located immediatelyadjacent to the tape feed-wheel 240 so that notches 246 of the tapefeed-wheel and notches 205 of the syringe feed-wheel 203 are disposed inopposing relation. As such, it can be seen that tape 16 will be pressedinto notches 246 on one side of syringes S to achieve conformalinterconnection therewith. Further in this regard, a pneumatic positionand tension control device 207 is provided to enhance theinterconnection between syringes S and tape 16. Device 207 includes amount lever arm 207 a interconnected to the syringe feed-wheel 203, anda pneumatic cylinder 207 b for locating the arm 207 a and syringefeed-wheel 203 as appropriate so that syringes S apply a predetermined,desired amount of force against tape 16.

After interconnection of one side of syringes S to adhesive tape 16, theFIG. 4 embodiment provides for the interconnection of adhesive tape 14to the other side of syringes S. More particularly, tape feed-wheel 262is driven synchronously with and positioned relative to tape feed-wheel240 so that notches 260 are in aligned relation with notches 246 tocapture syringes S between adhesive tape strips 14 and 16.Concomitantly, tape 14 is pressed about the syringes S to complete band30.

As further shown in FIG. 4, a pneumatic position and tension controldevice 209 is provided at the tape feed-wheel 262. Device 209 includes amount lever arm 209 a and a pneumatic cylinder 209 b for locating thetape feed-wheel 262 as appropriate to establish the desired amount offorce applied by syringes S to tape strip 16.

Referring now to the diagrammatic elevation view of the labeling andfilling apparatus 70 in FIG. 5, a band 30 of syringes S is pulled fromthe bag 68 by a sprocket wheel or drum 72 and rotated to positions wherethe band 30 is cut to form the label substrates 10 (see FIG. 1), and, ifthe substrates are not already labeled, to attach labels 12 to thesubstrates 10, and to remove the caps C, fill the syringes S with thedesired medication, and replace the caps C.

In FIG. 5, if the bands 30 do not already have labels, the user willprepare a quantity of labels 12 and mount them to feed into a labelingstation 80. The labels can be prepared in any suitable manner, forexample, using a standard computer label printer, and the quantity oflabels 12 prepared can correspond to the number of syringes S to befilled with medication that matches the labels 12. The user alsoprepares the liquid medication 91 in a container 92, which the userconnects to a suitable fluid control system, such as conventionalperistaltic pump 93 or other suitable syringe filling, fluid metering,or handling system. The medication will be conveyed via a suitable tube94 or other conduit to the syringe filling station 90, which will beexplained in more detail below. The volume of medication to be pumpedinto each syringe S can be set and controlled in any of a variety ofways. For example, the pump 93 can be actuated to initiate a fill anddeactuated when the syringe has been filled with the desired volume ofmedication, as will be described in more detail below.

With continuing reference primarily to FIG. 5, the sprocket drum 72 hasa plurality of notches 74 in equal, angularly-spaced relation to eachother around the circumference of the drum 72. The notches 74 are largeenough to receive and retain a syringe S, and they are spaced apart fromeach other the same distance as the spacing between the syringes S inthe band 30. Therefore, when at least one of the syringes S in the band30 is positioned in an appropriate notch 74, rotation of the drum 72, asindicated by arrow 75, will cause the band 30 to pull successivesyringes S in the band 30 out of the bag 68 and into the labeling andfilling apparatus 70. Suitable guides, for example, guides 76, 77, 78,can be used to hold the syringes S in the notches 74 as the drum 72rotates and carries the syringes S through the cutting station 100,labeling station 80, and filling station 90.

It is appropriate to mention at this point that the sequential order ofcutting, labeling, and filling is not critical to the invention, andthese operations can be performed in any sequential order or evensimultaneously, depending on how one wishes to mount the appropriateequipment, as would be within the capabilities of persons skilled in theart once the principles of this invention are understood. However, theconvenient sequence of cutting, labeling, and filling will be used forpurposes of this description of the invention. The drum 72 can be drivento rotate, as indicated by arrow 75, and to stop with syringes Spositioned appropriately for the cutting, labeling, and fillingoperations at the respective stations 100, 80, 90 by any appropriatedrive and control system as is well within the capability of personsskilled in the art, such as, for example, with a stepper motor (notshown) connected to appropriate motor control devices (not shown). Acontrol panel (not shown) connected to the stepper motor can be set upfor use by an operator to either jog the drum 72 through incrementalsteps and/or jog the cutting station 100, labeling station 80, orfilling station 90 through their respective operations or to initiatecontinuous automatic operation.

At the cutting station 100, an actuator 101 drives a knife blade 102 asindicated by arrow 103 to cut and sever the band 30 to disconnect thesyringes S from each other and to leave the resulting band segments orflaps connected to each syringe S to form individual label substrates 10for each syringe S. The knife blade 102 is preferably serrated and aslot 104 in the drum in alignment with the knife blade 102 facilitatesure, complete cuts. Any suitable actuator 101 can be used, such as arotary drive motor, solenoid, or the like. A sheath (not shown) can beprovided to cover the blade 102 when it is not cutting. An optical orother sensor (not shown) can be positioned adjacent the drum 72 wherethe syringes S are first engaged by notches 74 to detect whether anysyringes S have missing caps. A signal from the sensor in response to amissing cap could actuate and alarm and/or shut down the apparatus toprevent an uncapped syringe S from being labeled and filled.

For the syringe S that has advanced to the labeling station 80, alabeler device 81, moving as indicated by arrow 82, affixes a label 12to the substrate 10. The labeler device 81 can be any of a variety ofknown label apparatus that transfer labels 12 from a strip 83 to anobject, or it could be some other device, such as printer apparatus thatprints the label directly onto the flap substrate 10, or somecombination of such apparatus, as would be within the capabilities ofpersons skilled in the art once they understand the principles of thisinvention. An optical sensor (not shown) is used to detect whether alabel has been affixed to the substrate 10 at the label station 80. Amicroprocessor (not shown) can be used to keep count of labels properlyaffixed and/or activate an alarm and/or shut down the apparatus 70 if alabel is not detected on a substrate where a label is supposed to beaffixed.

For a syringe S that has advanced to the fill station 90, the cap C (notshown in FIG. 5) is removed by a cap handling apparatus 110, then aliquid dispensing apparatus 120 is connected to the luer L (not shown inFIG. 5) of the syringe S to dispense liquid medication into the syringeS, and the pump 93 (or other suitable liquid metering or controlapparatus) is actuated to move the medication 91 from the container 92into the syringe S. When the syringe S is filled with the desired volumeof fluid, as sensed, for example, by a proximity sensor that senses thecorresponding desired position of the plunger P (not shown in FIG. 4) ofthe syringe S, the pump 93 (or other suitable liquid metering or controlapparatus) is deactuated. Then, the liquid dispensing apparatus 120 isdisconnected from the syringe S, and the cap handling apparatus 110 ismoved into position to replace the cap C (not shown in FIG. 5) onto theluer (not shown in FIG. 4) of the syringe S. The cap handling apparatus110 and the liquid dispensing apparatus 120 are mounted on a cammedshuttle 130, which moves laterally in two axes, as indicated by arrow131 in the plane of the paper and by arrow 132 perpendicular to theplane of the paper, to accomplish the cap removal, fill, and capreplacement functions described above. While these functions could beperformed by myriad other devices and combinations of devices, as wouldbe within the capabilities of persons skilled in the art once theyunderstand the principles of this invention, an example cammed shuttle130, cap handling apparatus 110, and liquid dispensing apparatus 120shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4 will be described in more detail below.

After the syringes S leave the fill station 90, they are allowed to dropindividually out of the sprocket drum 72 and, for example, into a basket115 or other receptacle. At this stage, the syringes S are labeled,filled, and ready for use, as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 6 d, and 6 e in combination withFIG. 5, the cammed shuttle 130 is driven by a motor, such as a steppermotor 133, which rotates a slotted cam lever or crank arm 134 mounted onthe drive shaft 135 of the motor 133. A driver block 136 has a slide pinor a cam roll (concealed from view) extending in one direction into theslotted race groove 137 of the cam lever or crank arm 134 and anothercam follow pin or cam roll 138 extending in the opposite direction intoa U-shaped cam slot 139 in a stationary cam block 140. Therefore, as thestepper motor 133 rotates, for example as shown by arrow 141 in FIGS. 6b and 6 c, the cam lever 134 causes the cam follower pin or cam roll 138extending from the driver block 136 to follow the U-shaped path of thecam slot 139, which moves the two slide shafts 142, 143 extendinglaterally from driver block 136 as well as the connecting block 144 atthe distal ends of slide shafts 142, 143 to move simultaneously in thesame U-shaped motion pattern. The two slide shafts 142, 143 extendslidably through two holes 145, 146 in a pillow block 147, which ismounted slidably on two support rods 148, 149. The support rods 148, 149are mounted in two stationary anchor blocks 150, 151 and extend slidablythrough two holes 152, 153 in pillow block 147, which are perpendicularto, but vertically offset from, holes 145, 146. Thus, as the steppermotor 133 drives the driver block 136 through the U-shaped pattern ofcam slot 139, the pillow block 147 slides laterally on support rods 148,149 as indicated by arrow 154, while the slide shafts 142, 143 slidelongitudinally in pillow block 147 as indicated by arrow 155. As aresult, the connector block 144 and cammed shuttle 130 also move bothlaterally and longitudinally as indicated by arrows 131, 132 in the sameU-shape pattern as the U-shaped cam slot 139 to remove the cap C fromthe syringe S, connect the syringe S to a nozzle 121 in the liquiddispensing apparatus 120 to fill the syringe S, disconnect the nozzle121, and replace the cap C, as will be described in more detail below.Suitable bushing or bearings can be used to enhance the sliding movementof the shafts 142, 143 and support rods 148, 149 in the pillow block147.

Referring now to FIG. 6 a in combination with FIG. 4, the drum 72 hasmoved a syringe S to the filling station 90, where it stops for the capremoval, fill, and cap replacement operation. The syringe S is shown inFIG. 6 a positioned in a notch 74 with a label 12 affixed to thesubstrate 10. As the drum 72 moved the syringe S to the position shownin FIG. 6 a, the cap C was moved into a set of jaws 160, which isaligned longitudinally with the syringe S when the slotted cam lever 134is stopped in the position shown in FIG. 6 a and the drum 72 stops thesyringe S in the filling station 90. A cap gripper 161, such asresilient spring steel, presses against the cap C in jaws 160 to captureand retain the cap C in the jaws 160. Again, optical sensors (not shown)or other suitable sensors and/or control devices or methods can be usedto stop the drum 72 when the syringe S is positioned with the cap Ccaptured in the jaws 160 as would be understood by persons skilled inthe art once they understand the principles of this invention. Then, themotor 133 is actuated to rotate the slotted cam lever 134 as indicatedby arrow 141 in FIG. 6 b, which extends the slide shafts 142, 143, asindicated by arrow 156, as the pillow block 147 slides to the right onsupport rods 148, 149, as indicated by arrow 157. As a result, thecammed shuttle 130 moves the jaws 160 with the cap C away from thesyringe S, thereby removing the cap C from the syringe S and leaving theluer L of the syringe S exposed and open, as shown in FIG. 6 b. Again,the gripper 161 described above retains the cap C in the jaws 160 whenthe cap C is removed from the luer L.

Continued rotation of the cam lever 134 as indicated by the arrow 141 inFIG. 6 c translates the pillow block 147 still farther to the right onsupport rods 148, 149, as indicated by arrow 157 in FIG. 6 c, until thelongitudinal axis 122 of the fill connector or nozzle 121 aligns withthe longitudinal axis 123 of syringe S, then retracts the slide shafts142, 143, as indicated by arrow 158, to position the nozzle 121 on luerL of the syringe S. At that position of the cammed shuttle 130, themotor 133 is deactuated, so the nozzle 121 stays on the luer L while thepump 93 (FIG. 5) is actuated to pump liquid medication 91 from thecontainer 92 to fill the syringe S. The fill connector or nozzle 121 ispreferably mounted on the cammed shuttle 130 by a spring-loaded slide(not shown) or similar yieldable, resilient mounting to apply anappropriate, uniform force to the nozzle 121 as it is being forced bythe cammed shuttle 130 onto the luer L of the syringe S. This motion toremove the cap C and place the fill connector or nozzle 121 on thesyringe S can be accomplished in approximately 250 milliseconds withthis mechanism. The U-shaped cam slot 139 provides a straight,longitudinal pull of the cap C in alignment with the longitudinal axis123 of the syringe S and a corresponding straight, longitudinal push toattach the nozzle 121 to the luer L.

As best seen in FIG. 6 d, the plunger P of the syringe S is pushedoutwardly by the liquid medication that is pumped into the syringe S.When the syringe S has been filled with the desired volume of liquidmedication, the flow of liquid medication into the syringe S is stopped.The flow can be measured and stopped in a variety of ways, such as flowmeters, valves, known pump displacement, and the like, as would bewithin the knowledge and capabilities of persons skilled in the art oncethey understand the principles of this invention. However, aparticularly novel and innovative way of controlling the fill volumeaccording to this invention is to use a sensor 124 to detect when theplunger P has been pushed out to a predetermined extent that correspondsto the fill volume desired, as illustrated in FIG. 6 d. A myriad ofsensors could be used for this function, such as a capacitive proximitysensor, optical sensor, microswitch, and the like. Upon sensing thedesired extension of the plunger P, a signal from the sensor 124 can beused to shut off the flow of liquid medication into the syringe S. Asuitable signal control circuit, for example, a microprocessor and/orrelay, (not shown) to shut off the pump 93 or to close some controlvalve (not shown) is well within the capabilities of persons skilled inthe art once they understand the principles of this invention. As shownin FIG. 6 d, the sensor 124 can be mounted on an adjustable base 125with a scale 126 and pointer 127 to correlate adjustable physicalposition of the sensor with the desired fill volume.

When the desired fill volume has been reached and detected, as explainedabove, a signal from the sensor 124 is used to deactuate the pump 93. Apreferred, albeit not essential, pump 93 is a peristaltic pump, such as,for example, a model 099 Repeater Pump, manufactured by BaxaCorporation, of Englewood, Colo., which can be reversed momentarily totake the fluid pressure off the tubing 94 and syringe S to minimize, ifnot prevent, dripping of the liquid medication when the nozzle 121 isdetached from the luer L. Then, the motor 133 is actuated to rotate thecam lever 134 in the opposite direction, as indicated by the arrow 159in FIG. 6 e, to detach the nozzle 121 from the luer L of the syringe Sand move the jaws 160 and cap C back into longitudinal alignment withthe axis 123 of the syringe S for replacing the cap C on the syringe S.Specifically, as the cam lever 134 rotates, as shown by arrow 159, thecammed shuttle 130 moves back through the U-shaped pattern defined bythe U-shaped cam slot 139. First, the slide shafts 142, 143 are extendedas indicated by arrow 171 to detach the nozzle 121 from the luer L ofsyringe S. Then the cammed shuttle is moved in an arc as indicated byarrow 172 to align the cap C in jaws 160 with the longitudinal axis 123of the syringe S. Finally, the slide shafts 142, 143 are retractedagain, as indicated by arrow 173, to push the cap C back onto thesyringe S. The cap handling apparatus 110 can be mounted by aspring-loaded slide (not shown) or some other yieldable, resilientstructure, if desired, to ensure a uniform pressure application to thecap C as it is being pushed by the cammed shuttle 130 back onto thesyringe S.

At this position, shown in FIG. 6 e, the fill is completed, and the drum72 can be rotated again to move the cap C out of the jaws 160 and tomove the next syringe S in the sequence into the jaws 160 for a repeatof the cap removal, fill, and cap replacement sequence described aboveon the next syringe S in the drum 72. At the next position after thefilling station 90, a sensor (not shown), such as an optical sensor, isused to determine if the cap C is placed correctly back on the syringeS. If it is not placed correctly, the apparatus is stopped and/or analarm is sounded in response to a signal from the sensor indicating thatthe cap C is not replaced. After that cap-check position, the drum movesthe syringe to a point where hold down or guide tracks end, therebyfreeing the syringe S to drop out of the drum 72 and into a chute (notshown) that guides the labeled, filled, and recapped syringe S into theholding basket 115.

The control system (not shown) can utilize signals from the sensors torecord number of syringes S filled, program the number of doses desiredand automatically stop when that number of syringes S are filled, recordthe number of doses actually pumped, record the number of doses orsyringes in the basket 115 and keep track of rejected labels orsyringes. Other functions can also be provided.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, the labeling and filling apparatusembodiment of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 a-6 e is further illustrated in aproduction implementation. Of note, the labeling and filling apparatus70 is shown in a compact table top arrangement that may be readilypositioned in a sterile environment, e.g. within a sterile area havingan appropriate exhaust hood. As will be recognized, the apparatus 70includes a cutting station 100, labeling station 80 and filling station90.

The drum 72 may be driven in a clockwise direction by a step motor 301,wherein syringes S are positioned into the notches 74 for sequentialfeeding to the work stations 80, 90 and 100. At cutting station 100, anactuator 101 in the form of a stepper motor may be utilized. Inparticular, the actuator 101 may be controlled to turn a crank 303having a cam follower 305 that is located in a slot 307 on a mount block309 for cutting blade 102. The block 309 is supported on rails 313,wherein driven rotation of the crank 303 effects linear travel of thecutting blade 102 towards and away from the drum 72 and a belt 30 withsyringes S carried thereby. The operation of actuator 101 may be timedin relation to the stepped movement of drum 72 so that belt 30 is cutinto belt segments 10 of a consistent width by cutting blade 102.

At labeling station 80, the labeling device 81 may include a steppermotor (not illustrated) to which a shaft (not illustrated) isinterconnected for driven eccentric motion. That is, upon actuationstepper motor may drive shaft through an arc from a first position to asecond position. By way of example, the first position may be asillustrated in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, wherein the labeling device 81 islocated in a down position for label placement. Upon eccentric motion ofthe shaft to a second position, shaft will engage the labeling device 81causing the cantilevered end thereof to cock upwards about a stationaryshaft (not illustrated). As may be appreciated, the operation of steppermotor is timed in relation to the stepped movement of drum 72 to affectlabel placement on the belt segments 10 between adjacent syringes S.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 a-8 d, operation of the filling station 80shown in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b will be further described. In FIG. 8 a asyringe S has advanced to the filling station 90 with a cap C insertedinto cap handling apparatus 110. As illustrated, syringe S has aninterconnected belt segment on flap 10 with a label 12 adhered thereto.

As next shown in FIG. 8 b, it can be seen that filling station 90 hasretracted away from drum 72 so as to remove cap C from the dispensingend of the syringe S. As previously noted, such retraction is achievedby activating stepper motor 133 to rotate cam lever 134, thereby causingdriver block 136, slide shafts 142, 143, connecting block 144 andshuttle 130 to move along a first straight leg portion of U-shapedmotion pattern.

In the later regard, FIG. 8 c shows the filling station 90 immediatelyafter cam lever 134 has moved through the curved portion of the U-shapedmotion pattern. In this position it can be seen that the nozzle 121 ofthe liquid dispensing apparatus 120 is aligned with the dispensing endof the syringe S. As such, and as seen in FIG. 8 d, further movement ofthe filling station 90 along the second straight leg portion of theU-shaped motion pattern causes the liquid dispensing apparatus 120 tolinearly advance towards syringe S, wherein the nozzle 121 engages andfluidly interconnects with the dispensing end of the syringe S. Uponreaching the FIG. 8 d position, filling station 90 may be controlled sothat fluid is injected through nozzle 121 into the syringe S.

As further shown in FIG. 8 d, fluid has filled the syringe S to displacethe plunger P into contact with the sensor 124. At this point, a sensorsignal is transmitted to terminate the filling of syringe S. Thereafter,stepper motor 133 may again rotate cam lever 134 through the U-shapedmotion pattern to reposition cap C back onto the dispensing end of thesyringe S.

As noted above, the filling and labeling apparatus 70 is only oneembodiment of the present invention. Numerous other embodiments will beapparent to those skilled in the art. By way of example, reference isnow made to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 a-11 f, which illustrate an alternateembodiment.

In this embodiment a drum 472 is driven in a counter-clock wisedirection, wherein a band 430 of syringes S pulled in series into thenotches 474 for preparation operations. In the later regard, the band430 is suspended from the drum 472 to facilitate aligned, side-by-sidepositioning of the syringes S in notches 474. As schematically shown inFIG. 9, the syringes S are sequentially advanced through filling station490, labeling station 480 and cutting station 400. Thereafter, theseparated syringes S may be directed into a container (not shown) via achute 451. The operation of labeling station 480 and cutting station 400may be analogous to the operations of the labeling station 80 andcutting station 100 described above in relation to FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6a-6 b. In contrast to that embodiment, however, the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9, 10 and 11 a-11 h may implement a different approach at fillingstation 490.

In the modified operation shown in FIG. 9, a syringe is first positionedat location I for cap removal, then located at a second position II forfilling, followed by location back at work location I for capreplacement. To facilitate an understanding of such approach, thelabeling station 480 and cutting station 400 are not presented in FIG.10. As best shown by FIG. 10, filling station 490 includes a caphandling apparatus 410 and liquid dispensing apparatus 420. As will beappreciated, liquid dispensing apparatus 420 is interconnectable to areservoir (not shown) containing a fluid for filling syringes S. Ofnote, both the cap handling apparatus 410 and liquid dispensingapparatus 420 are mounted on a common support member 431. Support member431 may be interconnected to a stepper motor (not shown) acutatable toaffect linear travel of the cap handling apparatus 410 and liquiddispensing apparatus 420 towards and away from the drum 472. Such lineartravel, together with the rotation of drum 472 are the only requiredmotions for cap removal, filling and cap replacement. Such operationswill now be further described with reference to FIGS. 11 a-11 h.

FIGS. 11 a-11 h are flat, diagrammatic views of filling station 490 froma rearward perspective relative to the isometric front view shown inFIG. 10. Before proceeding, it should be noted that the filling station490 shown in FIGS. 11 a-11 h further includes a syringe flange retentiontrack 492 and a plunger flange retention member 494. As will be furtherdescribed, the plunger flange retention number 494 is selectivelyretractable relative to retention track 492 so that fluid may be drawnfrom liquid dispensing apparatus 420 to fill syringes S. In this regard,liquid dispensing apparatus 420 may include a valve to control thepassage/stoppage of fluid therethrough. By way of example, such valvemay comprise an actuatable roller.

With particular reference to FIG. 11 a, a syringe S is shown in thefirst location I shown in FIG. 9 wherein cap C has been inserted in thecap handling apparatus 410 for retention thereby. Concomitantly, aflange on syringe S has been inserted and advanced within the retentiontrack 492. Next, and as shown in FIG. 11 b, cap handling apparatus 410has been retracted from the syringe S with cap C retained thereby. Aswill be appreciated, such retraction may be affected via linear driventravel of the support member 431 shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 c shows the syringe S moved to the location II shown in FIG. 9.More particularly, drum 472 may be rotated clockwise to affect suchpositioning, wherein the liquid dispensing apparatus 420 is aligned withthe dispensing end of the syringe S. Then, liquid dispensing apparatus420 may be advanced into engagement with the dispensing end of syringe Sas shown in FIG. 11 d. Again, such linear travel may be affected viamovement of support member 431. Of note, both FIGS. 11 c and lid showthe plunger P being positioned in the retention member 494.

In this regard, and referring now to FIG. 11 e, retention member 494 maybe provided for driven retraction away from syringe S (e.g. via anunshown stepper motor), with the valve of liquid dispensing apparatus420 opened so as to draw fluid through liquid dispensing apparatus 420into the syringe S. As may be appreciated, the amount, or length, ofretraction of retention member 494 may be precisely controlled toachieve a preset filling volume. When the desired volume has beenreached, the valve of liquid dispensing apparatus 420 may be closed.Where an actuatable roller is utilized, the roller may be positioned topinch off a fluid conduit to back up the fluid a desired amount, therebybringing the fluid pressure slightly below atmospheric pressure. Afterfilling, the liquid dispensing apparatus 420 may be withdrawn from thedispensing end of the syringe S as shown in FIG. 11 f. Again, suchlinear travel may be affected by controlled retraction of the supportmember 431.

Thereafter, syringe S may return to location I via counter-clockwiserotation of drum 472, as shown in FIG. 11 g. Finally, cap C may bereplaced onto the dispensing end of the syringe S via advancement of thecap handling apparatus 410 on support member 431. The syringe S may thenbe advanced for further operations at the labeling station 480 andcutting station 400 shown in FIG. 9.

The foregoing description is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modificationsand changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired limit the invention to the exact construction and process shownand described above. Accordingly, resort may be made to all suitablemodifications and equivalents that fall within a scope of the inventionas defined by the claims which follow. The words “comprise,”“comprises,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and “includes” whenused in this specification are intended to specify the presence ofstated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, components, steps, or groups thereof.

1. A method for handling a plurality of syringe bodies comprising:interconnecting a flexible belt to a plurality of syringe bodies in apredetermined orientation, as interconnected each of said plurality ofsyringe bodies comprising a barrel and a plunger slidably disposed inone end of said barrel; packaging said plurality of syringe bodies aftersaid interconnecting step; unpackaging said plurality of syringe bodiesafter said interconnecting step; filling each of said plurality ofsyringe bodies with a predetermined medical liquid after saidunpackaging step; and printing contents-related information in relationto each of said plurality of syringe bodies after said unpackaging step,said contents-related information corresponding with said predeterminedmedical liquid.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said printingstep occurs before said filling step.
 3. A method as recited in claim 1,wherein said printing step occurs after said filling step.
 4. A methodas recited in claim 1, wherein for each of said plurality of syringebodies, said printing step comprises: placing said contents-relatedinformation on belt segments between and in corresponding relation toeach of said plurality of syringe bodies.
 5. A method as recited inclaim 4, further comprising: separating said flexible belt betweenadjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies thereby defining aninterconnected flap on each of said plurality of bodies, wherein eachinterconnected flap includes a different corresponding one of said beltsegments.
 6. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein each interconnectedflap comprises contents-related information corresponding with saidpredetermined medical liquid contained in an interconnected one of saidplurality of syringe bodies.
 7. A method as recited in claim 4, whereinsaid placing step comprises: adhering a label comprisingcontents-related information to each of said of belt segments.
 8. Amethod as recited in claim 6, wherein said separating step occurs afterone of said filling and printing steps.
 9. A method as recited in claim1, further comprising: sterilizing said interconnected plurality ofsyringes after said interconnecting step.
 10. A method as recited inclaim 9, wherein said sterilizing step occurs before said packagingstep.
 11. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein said sterilizing stepoccurs after said packaging step.
 12. A method as recited in claim 9,wherein each of said interconnecting and packaging steps occur at afirst location, and wherein each of said unpackaging, filling andprinting steps occur at a second location, remote from said firstlocation.
 13. A method as recited in claim 12, wherein said sterilizingstep occurs at said first location and wherein for each of saidplurality of syringe bodies, the method comprises: maintaining a clean,contained volume within said barrel during said unpackaging, filling andprinting steps.
 14. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein each ofsaid plurality of syringe bodies comprises a cap removably positioned ona dispensing end of said syringe body thereby defining said clean,contained volume.
 15. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein for eachof said plurality of syringe bodies the method comprises: maintainingsaid clean, contained volume within said barrel during said packagingstep.
 16. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising: locatingsaid interconnected plurality of syringe bodies in said predeterminedorientation into a plurality of holders;
 17. A method as recited inclaim 16, further comprising: moving said interconnected plurality ofsyringe bodies along a predetermined path.
 18. A method as recited inclaim 17, wherein said moving step comprises: pulling saidinterconnected plurality of syringe bodies into said plurality ofholders.
 19. A method as recited in claim 17, wherein said predeterminedpath is non-linear.
 20. A method as recited in claim 17, wherein foreach of said plurality of syringe bodies, the method comprises:performing at least one of said filling step and said printing stepwhile said interconnected plurality of syringe bodies are located withinsaid plurality of holders.
 21. A method as recited in claim 20, whereinsaid performing step comprises: performing both said filling step andprinting step while said plurality of syringe bodies are located withinsaid plurality of holders.
 22. A method as recited in claim 17, whereinsaid interconnected plurality of syringe bodies are interconnected at apredetermined spacing and wherein said plurality of holders areseparated by a distance that corresponds with said predeterminedspacing.
 23. A method as recited in claim 22, wherein said moving stepcomprises: rotating a drum comprising said plurality of holders; andpulling at least one of said interconnected plurality of syringe bodiesto pull adjacent ones of said interconnected plurality of syringe bodiesinto said plurality of holders.
 24. A method as recited in claim 23,wherein for each of said plurality of syringe bodies, the methodcomprises: performing each of said filling step and said printing stepwhile said plurality of syringe bodies are located within said pluralityof holders.
 25. A methods as recited in claim 24, wherein during atleast one of said filling and printing steps, each of said plurality ofsyringe bodies is substantially horizontal.
 26. A method for handling aplurality of syringe bodies comprising: interconnecting a flexible beltto a plurality of syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation, asinterconnected each of said plurality of syringe bodies comprising abarrel and a plunger slidably disposed in one end of said barrel;packaging said plurality of syringe bodies after said interconnectingstep; unpackaging said plurality of syringe bodies after saidinterconnecting step; filling each of said plurality of syringe bodieswith a predetermined medical liquid after said packaging step; printingcontents-related information in relation to each of said plurality ofsyringe bodies after said unpackaging step, said contents-relatedinformation corresponding with said predetermined medical liquid; anddetecting whether said contents-related information is properly printedafter said printing step.
 27. A method as recited in claim 26, whereinsaid detecting step comprises: optically sensing at least one of saidsyringe body and a portion of said flexible belt to detect the presenceof said contents-related information.
 28. A method as recited in claim26, further comprising: providing an output in response to a detectedabsence of said contents-related information.
 29. A method as recited inclaim 28, wherein said providing step comprises: activating an alarm.30. A method as recited in claim 26, further comprising: programminginto a control system a desired number of doses of said predeterminedmedical liquid; and automatically completing said filling step to fillsaid plurality of syringe bodies with said desired number of doses underthe control of said control system.
 31. A method as recited in claim 30,wherein, after said filling step, each of said plurality of syringescomprises one dose of said predetermined medical liquid.
 32. A method asrecited in claim 30, further comprising: automatically recording thenumber of doses filled.
 33. A method as recited in claim 30, furthercomprising: automatically tracking the number of completed printingsteps.
 34. A method as recited in claim 30, wherein said filling stepcomprises: filling each of said plurality of syringe bodies with apreset filling volume of said predetermined medical liquid.
 35. A methodas recited in claim 34, wherein said preset filling volume correspondsto one dose of said plurality of doses.
 36. A method for handling aplurality of syringe bodies comprising: interconnecting a flexible beltto a plurality of syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation, asinterconnected each of said plurality of syringe bodies comprising abarrel and a plunger slidably disposed in one end of said barrel;packaging said plurality of syringe bodies after said interconnectingstep, wherein each of said packaged plurality of syringe bodies includesa cap removably positioned on a dispensing end of said syringe bodythereby defining a clean, contained volume; unpackaging said pluralityof syringe bodies after said interconnecting step; filling each of saidplurality of syringe bodies with a predetermined medical liquid aftersaid unpackaging step; and printing contents-related information inrelation to each of said plurality of syringe bodies after saidunpackaging step, said contents-related information corresponding withsaid predetermined medical liquid.
 37. A method as recited in claim 36,wherein for each of said plurality of syringe bodies the methodcomprises: detecting whether said syringe body comprise a cap.
 38. Amethod as recited in claim 37, wherein said detecting step comprising:optically sensing said dispensing end of said syringe body to detect thepresence of said cap.
 39. A method as recited in claim 36, wherein saidinterconnecting step occurs at a first location and wherein saidfilling, printing and detecting steps occur at a second location, remotefrom said first location.
 40. A method as recited in claim 36, furthercomprising: providing an output in response to a detected absence ofsaid cap.
 41. A method as recited in claim 38, wherein said providingstep comprises: activating an alarm.
 42. A method for handling aplurality of syringe bodies comprising: interconnecting a flexible beltto a plurality of syringe bodies in a predetermined orientation in anautomated fashion, as interconnected each of said plurality of syringebodies comprising a barrel and a plunger slidably disposed in one end ofsaid barrel; packaging said plurality of syringe bodies after saidinterconnecting step; unpackaging said plurality of syringe bodies aftersaid interconnecting step; filling each of said plurality of syringebodies with a predetermined medical liquid in an automated fashion aftersaid unpackaging step; and printing contents-related information inrelation to each of said plurality of syringe bodies in an automatedfashion after said unpackaging step, said contents-related informationcorresponding with said predetermined medical liquid.
 43. A method asrecited in claim 42, wherein said interconnecting step comprises:positioning said plurality of syringe bodies in said predeterminedorientation; and disposing opposing layers of material about opposingsides of each of said plurality of syringe bodies and in face-to-facerelation between adjacent ones of said plurality of syringe bodies. 44.A method as recited in claim 43, wherein said positioning stepcomprises: placing each of said plurality of syringe bodies in acorresponding one of a plurality of notches; and moving said pluralityof syringes about a predetermined path; and
 45. A method as recited inclaim 44, wherein said predetermined path is non-linear.
 46. A method asrecited in claim 44, wherein said plurality of notches are uniformlyspaced about a periphery of a rotatable drum.
 47. A method as recited inclaim 46, wherein, as interconnected, said flexible belt comprises apredetermined spacing between each of said plurality of syringe bodies,wherein said predetermined spacing corresponds with said uniform spacingof said plurality of notches.
 48. A method as recited in claim 47,further comprising: after said unpackaging step, locating saidinterconnected plurality of syringe bodies in said predeterminedorientation into a plurality of holders, wherein said plurality ofholders are separated by a distance that corresponds with said uniformspacing of said plurality of notches.
 49. A method as recited in claim43, wherein said disposing step comprises: first adhering a firstmaterial layer to a first portion of each of said plurality of syringebodies; and second adhering a second material layer to a second portionof each of said plurality of syringe bodies, said first and secondmaterial layers defining said opposing layers of material.
 50. A methodas recited in claim 49, wherein said disposing step comprises: pressingsaid first and second layers together between adjacent ones of saidplurality of syringe bodies to adhere said first and second layers toone another.
 51. A method as recited in claim 50, further comprising:rotating a drum containing said plurality of syringes about an axis toaccomplish one of said positioning, first adhering, second adhering andpressing steps.